Cordelia M. Beauprey “Ko-che-kiew”, age 94 of Zoar, started her journey home on Sunday afternoon, October 7, 2018, surrounded by her loving family.
Cordelia was born March 25, 1924 at home in Neopit, a daughter of Luke, Sr. and Susan (Amob) Beauprie. She attended St. Joseph Boarding School in Keshena. Following school, Cordelia went to work in Oshkosh to support the war effort. On June 30, 1953, she was united in marriage to Peter W. Beauprey on the Menominee Reservation. Following their marriage, the couple made their home in Neopit.
Cordelia spent 15 years as a nurse’s aide at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay. She dedicated her later years working for her tribe at the Tribal Clinic for over 20 years, retiring on December 3, 1994. Following her retirement she helped elders and her friends get what they needed to live well. She was a symbol of strength for her extended family and her community. Cordelia enjoyed Wednesday Bingo at the Senior Center in Neopit. She also enjoyed listening to Sunday morning polka, family outings at her lake lot, and playing pool. She loved the Green Bay Packers, attending Pow Wows, and watching her children and grandchildren dance. She was a member of Menominee Big Drum religion, and held the distinction of being the oldest Menominee Tribal Member living on the Reservation.
Survivors include her loving family, Aurelia “Sue” White of Zoar, Leila “Rose” Beauprey of Keshena, Romona (Sheldon) Webster of Keshena, William (Dona) Beauprey of Keshena, and Monty (Lynn Thunder) Beauprey, Sr. of Neopit; 24 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren; her sister, Marcene Beauprey of Shawano; her special grandson, Joey (Margaret) Awonohopay, Sr.; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter W. Beauprey on June 10, 1973; two sons, Richard and Randy Beauprey; her sons-in-law, Leon White, Sr. and James Awonohopay; her siblings, Leander Beauprie, in infancy, Luke Beauprie, Susan O’Katchicum, Annabelle Moeser, Virginia Tousey, Rodney and Quentin Beauprie, Verna Miller, Eldora Besaw; an adopted brother, Archie White; and special aunts, Jane Dowd, Theresa Wescott, and Suzy Waukau.
Traditional Ceremonial Services for Cordelia M. Beauprey will be held on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at 10:00 AM at the Zoar Ceremonial Building in Zoar, leaving the Hall at 2:00 PM for burial at the Neopit Cemetery. Visitation will begin after 4:00 PM on Monday, October 8, 2018 at the Ceremonial Building until the time of service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials may be made in her name.